(MISSOULA)- It hasn't even been 2-weeks since a break down in negotiations halted operations for the Missoula Maulers. But Missoula hockey supporters have moved quickly to get another junior team playing this fall.

The Missoula Area Youth Hockey Association announced over the weekend the MAYHA board of directors had approved plans for the Missoula Bruins to start play in September. The Bruins will play in the North American 3 Hockey League against other NA3HL teams in Montana and Wyoming.

The Maulers had played in the larger Western States Hockey League.

MAYHA leaders said they had received several offers from both the WSHL and NA3HL teams after the Maulers announced they wouldn't return next year. But they feel the Bruins, owned by Jason and Liz DiMatteo, are the best fit with Missoula's hockey community.

MAYHA also expressed thanks to Mauler's owner Michael Burks for his "past contributions" to Glacier Ice Rink and Missoula hockey.